BETONG: The Sarawak Government is proposing to establish a special authority to coordinate the development of lakes and natural areas with potential in Betong Division as new tourism products.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said such an approach is important to ensure the development of these natural assets is carried out in a planned manner, including their potential development into resort areas.

He said the authority would oversee the development of lakes and natural areas identified as having tourism value.

"If there are locations where lakes can be developed into resort areas, then, God willing, we will set up an authority that will oversee all our lakes, including all natural areas with potential," he said.

He said this while officiating the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Betong Division Programme, on Saturday.

According to the Sarawak Premier, the tourism sector has great potential to generate economic benefits for local residents through the development of tourism products and packages based on the area's unique features.

He said Betong has various natural assets, including lakes and attractive locations, that could be promoted as new destinations for tourists.

Meanwhile, he said improvements to connectivity facilities and infrastructure are also important elements in easing tourists' access to potential destinations in the area.

He said journeys that previously took hours by land could be shortened with better transport facilities and access, thereby increasing the appeal of these tourism destinations.

In other developments, he also emphasised local culture and food, which could be combined with the beauty of natural surroundings in tourism packages to offer visitors a more well-rounded experience.

"This is a sector that can benefit our people," he added.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Betong Division Resident Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Members, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Gabriel Rommy
Photos: Rais Sanusi
Translator: Uilson Ng